Don’t Buy Into These “Trends” About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for Fireplacesandstoves.uk your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit difficult.

Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it’s a great option for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point to the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to suit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at a number of home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be located at a certain distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your area.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to create an inviting and rustic style to your home. It can boost the value of your home, as it not only blends in with your interior style but also matches it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.

You can pick from a variety of stones for your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.

Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it an original design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and don’t crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective choice for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable match to your style.

If you’re planning to install a fireplace made of marble, you’ll want to choose the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also important to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaners available. But, you must test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you’re not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It’s a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It’s also non-combustible which helps keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the structure.

Your customers can pick from a range of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in a traditional room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with various designs and themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it’s important to know that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It’s rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.

Steel

A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to a room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. The style of the mantel is different however, most have simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround without a mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you’ll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.